I've never understood why people want elected officials, especially well known elected officials to tour an area after a natural disaster.
What the area needs is rescue efforts, people moving in to bring shelter, food, water and medical assistance. Construction equipment to start coming in to remove debris, FPL to move their trucks and men in to start picking up downed power lines and restore power to areas that are safe to to have it.
The last thing the people in the area need is to be shut off while someone "tours" the area. Gov. Bush will be going down to the area. There is no reason for President Bush to come down here now.
of course, the rescue efforts and recovery of power and water are #1.
but citizens elect these people, pay taxes, and they want to have some sense that they are connected to what is happening.
President Bush should certainly give it a few days, but at some point, it would be foolish and political suicide not to go.